SCAPPS is planning to offer a three-day conference, beginning in the afternoon on October 1st and extending into the evening of October 3rd. We have secured the following invited speakers (see bios below).

Motor Learning & Control Keynote

Dr. Paul Cisek is a full professor in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Montreal. He has a background in computer science and artificial intelligence, doctoral training in computational neuroscience, and postdoctoral training in neurophysiological recording in non-human primates. His research combines these techniques into an interdisciplinary approach to understanding how the brain controls our interactions with the world. In particular, his theoretical work suggests that the brain is organized as a system of parallel sensorimotor streams that have been differentiated and elaborated over millions of years of evolution, and his empirical work investigates the neural dynamics of how these systems specify potential actions and select among them during natural interactive behavior. His work is funded by CIHR, NSERC, CFI, FRQS, FRQNT and the EJLB Foundation.

Sport & Exercise Psychology Keynote

Dr. Mark Beauchamp Ph.D., is a Professor and Distinguished University Scholar in the School of Kinesiology at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. His research primarily focuses on group processes within health, exercise, and sport settings, with his work published in journals such as the Annual Review of Psychology, Annals of Behavioral Medicine, Health Psychology, JAMA Psychiatry, and the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. His research program has received funding from agencies such as the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Canadian Foundation for Innovation, and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. He is a Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society, and is editor-in-chief for Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology (official journal of Division 47 of the American Psychological Association).

Applied Keynote

Dr. Tricia McGuire-Adams is an Anishinaabekwe from Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek and is an Associate Professor with the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education at the University of Toronto. A Tier II (CIHR) Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Health Resurgence, she uses Indigenous research methodologies to study how Indigenous peoples’ knowledge systems can inform new thinking and practices for addressing health and well-being as a process of Indigenous Resurgence. Her current research program, supported by her H.E.A.R.T. Research Lab (Health Education and Resurgence Theory), focuses on Indigenous women’s physical activity, treaty relationality in advancing sociocultural studies of sport, martial arts and trauma-informed practices, and Indigenous disability.

Welcome to Ottawa!

Whether you have a few hours between sessions or a couple of extra days to explore, Canada’s capital offers a perfect blend of historic charm and modern culture. Most major attractions are conveniently located within a 20-minute walk of the downtown core and the conference hotel. Start your journey at Parliament Hill, the city’s iconic Gothic Revival centerpiece, where you can take a guided tour of the Senate or House of Commons. Just steps away, you can stroll along the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site that transforms from a scenic boating waterway in the summer to the world’s largest skating rink in the winter. For a taste of local life, head to the historic ByWard Market to enjoy artisanal shopping, vibrant nightlife, and the legendary BeaverTails pastry. Art and history enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the striking glass architecture of the National Gallery of Canada or a quick trip across the river to the Canadian Museum of History, which offers the most famous panoramic view of the Ottawa skyline. You may also consider visiting Major’s hill park next to Parliament, along with the new lookout at Kiweki Point, or attending the Oct 2 Ottawa Redblacks CFL game vs. Hamilton at Lansdowne Park. Finally do not miss out on the many running and cycling trails along the Rideau Canal, Ottawa River, and Rideau River!

Quick Tips for Your Stay:

Transit: The O-Train Light Rail is the fastest way to get across downtown (Lyon station is connected to the conference hotel).

Dining: Elgin Street and the ByWard Market are the go-to hubs for post-conference dinners. Four Ottawa restaurants made Canada’s top 100 list in 2025

App: Download the Ottawa Tourism visitor guide for real-time event listings and maps

Calling all SCAPPS Golfers!

Calling all SCAPPS Foodies!

Other possible outings

Should anyone have any further questions, please contact Tony Carlsen (tony.carlsen@uottawa.ca).

Registration fees are based on SCAPPS’ projected conference budget, with the goal of maintaining a balanced budget. There is an Early Bird rate (June TBD to August TBD, 2026), a Regular Rate (September TBD to October TBD, 2026), and an On-site Rate (October 1 to 3, 2026).

We will also be offering single day rates (academic sessions only) TBD

Fee Schedule

Submission Date: Applications for abstracts at SCAPPS 2026 will open on TBD and close TBD, 2026 at 11:59pm EDT. There will be no deadline extension this year.

Submission Format: Abstracts should follow these guidelines:

• 250-word maximum
• Data analysis complete
• Abstract title that captures the essence of the research
• Include all co-authors and affiliations
• Provide a short background/literature review, purpose of the research, methods, results, and discussion.

Submission Date: Applications for symposia at SCAPPS 2026 will open on TBD and close TBD, 2026 at 11:59pm EDT.

Submission Format: Each abstract, including the lead abstract, should follow the standard SCAPPS abstract guidelines. The lead abstract should be presented on the first page with the subsequent individual abstracts on separate pages. Each abstract should include author and co-author information. Submissions should include researchers from a range of institutions and career stages. If you have a moderator or discussant in mind, please also include their name and affiliation on the first page of the submission.

Application Process: The lead member will submit all abstracts on behalf of symposium members. That is, the lead will submit a symposium application including an overview abstract and all individual abstracts. Each individual contributor should not submit duplicate abstracts.

Decision/Notification Process: Decisions on symposia that will be incorporated into the program (or not) will be made and communicated via email to the lead author. Individual abstracts submitted as part of symposia that have not been accepted into the program may be resubmitted for consideration as a verbal or poster presentation at the authors’ discretion. These abstracts will not be automatically considered for other presentation formats and must be resubmitted during the appropriate time window.

Notification of Decision: Decisions on symposia acceptances will be made by TBD.

Submission Date: Applications for pre-conference workshops at SCAPPS 2026 will open TBD and close TBD, 2026 at 11:59pm EDT.

Background: Professional development opportunities are important to SCAPPS members. As such, pre-conference workshops that target and address specific issues and advances related to research, practice, and education in sport psychology, exercise and health psychology, motor learning, and motor control are an important component of the SCAPPS experience. SCAPPS Executive and the local conference organizing committees are committed to provide some support for these workshops.

Although the SCAPPS Executive and organizing committees are committed to supporting pre-conference workshops, workshop organizers should recognize and appreciate the following points. First, all workshops will be run as “stand-alone” events that are independent from the main SCAPPS conference program. This independence especially applies to all financial matters. Workshop organizers will be responsible for developing their own plan for covering expenses, if any. Second, time, space, and other resources are limited and, as a result, the number of workshops that can be supported and the amount of support provided will be limited. The types of support that workshop organizers may receive include, but are not limited, to the following: basic logistical information (e.g., contact details for arranging space, food and beverage, and AV as required; advertisements and promotion on the SCAPPS website and via email listserv). Workshop organizers will ultimately be responsible for all aspects of the workshop including programming, budgeting, developing promotional materials for distribution and posting (including working with the Secretary-Communications on distribution and promotion), and organizing space, food and beverage, and AV as needed for the workshop.

Because pre-conference workshops are organized and run independently from the main SCAPPS conference, organizers of pre-conference workshops are not under any obligation to seek support from the organizing committee of the main SCAPPS conference or the SCAPPS Executive. Likewise, the local conference organizing committee and SCAPPS Executive is not under any obligation to provide any level of support to any or all pre-conference workshops. The present application process is only for individuals who are seeking or requesting any support (e.g., time, space, promotion, or any other resource) from the main organizing committee of the SCAPPS 2026 conference. A minimal degree of coordination is recommended to facilitate the efficient use of time and space resources, and to limit potential conflicts in scheduling and topics.

Application Process: Individuals or groups who are interested in delivering a pre-conference workshop at the SCAPPS 2026 conference must complete a brief application form. The application form must be submitted to Sebastian Harenberg (sharenbe@stfx.ca) by TBD, 2026. The application form will collect information on the workshop Chair(s), contributors, expected time and space requirements, and number of anticipated attendees. The application shall also include a one-page proposal (maximum) that will address the following areas: background; objectives, significance, and relevance to SCAPPS members; format; target audience; resources and support required from the organizing committee.

Decision/Notification Process: Submitted proposals will be evaluated and ranked by the local conference organizing committee. Evaluations will consider such factors including, but not limited to: fit with the theme/goals of SCAPPS, demonstration of relevance of professional development for SCAPPS members, and resources and support required. Additional reviewers and advice will be sought from the SCAPPS Executive and select members with relevant expertise if one of the organizing committee members is submitting an application and/or as required. For those workshops that are selected, a plan and timeline for coordinating with the conference organizers, workshop organizers, and SCAPPS Executive will be developed and completed on an ongoing basis. Applicants will be notified about the results of the assessment approximately two weeks following the close of the application window.

Posters should be no greater than 3 feet (width) x 4 feet (height).

Oral presentations should be 12 minutes, with an additional 3 minutes for questions.

Rapid Oral Presentations: (Maybe?) Returning to SCAPPS this year: 5 in 5. (If included) these presentations should be 3-5 minutes and include no more than 5 slides. Presentations will be presented sequentially with a collective question period at the end of the session.

SCAPPS Peer Mentorship Program

Attending SCAPPS for the first time (or even the second) can be both exciting and intimidating. Whether you’re presenting your research, networking with faculty, or just trying to find your way around, it helps to have someone in your corner.

The SCAPPS Peer Mentorship Program is designed to help Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD students feel more confident and connected at the conference by pairing them with experienced peer mentors. Through pre-conference communication and in-person meetups during the event, this program aims to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where all SCAPPS students can thrive.

Program Goals

The goals of the program are as follows:

• Help students feel more prepared heading into the conference.
• Foster meaningful connections between students at different stages of their academic journeys.
• Encourage engagement in conference events including sessions, keynotes, and socials.
• Support student development and networking with peers and faculty.

Who Can Participate?

Mentees:

• First-time or newer SCAPPS attendees (Undergrad, Master’s, or PhD students).
• Looking for support, guidance, or someone to attend conference events with.
• Interested in building new connections and making the most of their conference experience.

Mentors:

• Upper-year Master’s or PhD students who have previously attended SCAPPS.
• Comfortable navigating the conference environment and enthusiastic about supporting others.
• Willing to connect with mentees prior to and during the conference, attend events together, and provide encouragement and tips.

How It Works

Mentors and mentees will be paired in advance of the conference (based on shared interests, degree level, etc.). Pairs will connect via email or virtual chat before SCAPPS to get to know one another and ask/answer questions. During the conference, mentors and mentees will meet in person and be encouraged to attend sessions, keynotes, and student events together.

Apply Now!

Interested in joining the program as a mentee or mentor? Applications are now open! Click on the link below to submit an application. Please note that acceptance to the program is subject to mentor/mentee availability.

Apply to be a Mentee: https://forms.office.com/r/CDcQD6mQnc
Apply to be a Mentor: https://forms.office.com/r/UhueHpUN8m

Application Deadline: August 15, 2026 @ 11:59 pm EST.

Questions about the program? Contact Alyssa Hughes (Student Representative) at [email].